Power of perseverance: SW Florida College grads celebrate

I think I can.

If optimism worked for The Little Engine that Could, surely it will work for 426 men and women who graduated Saturday from Southwest Florida College. They are leaving school in the worst economic period since the Great Depression, yet their future success boils down to having a positive attitude.

"Henry Ford once said, 'If you think you can, or you think you can't, you're probably right,' " said Lee County School Board chairwoman Jane Kuckel, who delivered the commencement address at Harborside Event Center.

Southwest Florida College is a career-oriented institution, the region's most diverse college. It has black students, white, Hispanic and Asian. It has teenage students and those who are grandparents. It has those who take the bus to class and those who drive new cars. It has well-to-do students and those who are one paycheck away from homelessness.

Education is the great equalizer.

"We are a colorful group from all different walks of life, different ages and ethnic backgrounds, but we all reached the finish line together," said Laura Allard, 39, of Bonita Springs, who earned an associate's degree in marketing and management.

No one ever told JoAnna Stewart that college would be easy; it was her struggle outside of class that made graduation seem like an impossible goal. She underwent chemotherapy and radiation for sickle cell anemia, sometimes so sick she could barely drag herself to class. But Stewart did, never missing a step. It got easier as June 20, 2009, approached.

"I saw the light at the end of the tunnel, and when I saw the light, I kept pressing," said Stewart, 49, a Lehigh Acres resident who earned a bachelor's degree in management.
The highlight of Saturday's ceremony was President Gregory Jones conferring 36 bachelor's and 295 associate's degrees, along with 85 diplomas and 12 certificates for students completing non-degree programs.

"I have been looking forward to this day all of my life," said 23-year-old Rosanna Sauceda, a Fort Myers resident who earned an associate's degree in graphic design. "I know my family is so proud of me. It got hard toward the end, but looking forward to this day has been my goal."

For those students who have yet to firm up post-graduation plans, the future is uncertain. Matthew Curry, 28, of Port Charlotte isn't sure where he will work, or even if he'll stay in Florida. Early signs, however, are pointing North.

"I haven't been able to find anything in this state," said Curry, who received an associate's degree in computer-aided drafting and design. "Everybody wants a bachelor's degree."

To find out more about Southwest Florida College visit http://swfc.edu.

By Dave Breitenstein • dbreitenstein@news-press.com • June 21, 2009

SWFC Celebrates Grand Opening - Event

Port Charlotte, Fla. (May 19, 2009) – It’s not all about fun and games, but folks sure know how to enjoy themselves. After all, what’s a better occasion for a celebration than a grand opening?

Carnival aroma of cotton candy, barbecue and popcorn filled the air so that you could barely notice the smell of fresh paint from the new building at Grand Oaks Plaza II on Saturday, May 16. That’s when Southwest Florida College held its grand opening celebration.

Everyone was invited to see what makes the new Port Charlotte campus so unique. Guests took tours of the new state-of-the-art classrooms, medical assisting laboratories and surgical technician operating room. An estimated 250 guests shared in the fun and nearly two dozen made appointments to return for more serious reasons – to explore their career options in the fast-growing medical field.

“It’s great, my kids are enjoying it,” said student Bridget Camp on Saturday, who was happy that her children could see where she went to school. Her sons Preston Camp, 5 and Dalton Camp, 9, enjoyed the bouncy twister and bean bag toss games. Other children had their faces painted like tigers and butterflies by Paulli the Clown and stood in line for balloon art of monkeys climbing trees, airplanes and swords.

To date, approximately 100 students attend Southwest Florida College’s Port Charlotte campus, located at 950 Tamiami Trail. Some students are studying to become medical assistants and surgical technicians, while others are taking courses in Medical Billing and Coding Technology, Health Information Technology and, starting in the summer, Early Childhood Care and Management to obtain their Florida Child Care Professional Credential. Even more programs are anticipated for the near future and are currently in the approval process.

“Southwest Florida College has earned a reputation for providing quality career education that leads to jobs in fields with high growth potential,” said Dr. Stephen Calabro, Executive Vice President for Southwest Florida College. “Our presence in Port Charlotte will add to the growing list of educational options for Charlotte County resident and will also extend our reach to other areas as well, such as North Port and Arcadia,” he said.

As a career college, SWFC’s programs are directly related to employment and Southwest Florida College takes it one step further by offering lifetime career placement assistance to all qualified graduates. Faculty members bring both academic preparation and industry experience to the classroom, which also help students make the transition from the classroom to the real world.

For more information or for directions to the new Southwest Florida College, Port Charlotte campus, call toll free (888) 526-7973 or visit www.swfc.edu.
Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning centrally located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte, and includes the Institute of Interior Design located within the Miromar Design Center in Estero. The College has been providing post secondary education to Floridians since 1974 and offers programs in Allied Health, Business, Design, Education, Information Technology and Legal Studies. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge and skills that will help prepare them for rewarding careers in fields with high growth potential. For more information, call toll free 888-526-7973 or visit http://www.swfc.edu.

DESIGN YOUR FUTURE: INSTITUTE OF INTERIOR DESIGN HOLDS OPEN HOUSE

Estero, Fla. (May 19, 2009) – The faculty and staff at the Institute of Interior Design welcome all those who are interested in the field of interior design to attend an open house on Thursday, June 4. Come learn more about a possible future in the industry of interior design.

The open house is free to the public and offers participants a chance to view students’ work, take a tour, hear about the industry firsthand from guest speaker Pam Durkin, President Elect of the South Florida Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers, learn about your future in design during the informational session and find out more about financial aid options, such as the $7,000 Smart Choices High School Scholarship, for those who qualify.

Take the next step and start the summer off right, come discover if the Institute of Interior Design is the right college for you. The Institute of Interior Design has a skilled team of professionals and tailored diploma and degree programs that are suited to meet the needs of the industry. Learn more about the bachelor degree program in Interior Design, the associate degree program in Interior Design and Decorating, or the diploma program in Kitchen and Bath design, which is designed with NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) guidelines and approved by the NKBA as a supported school.

The open house will be held on Thursday, June 4 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Institute of Interior Design, located within the beautifully appointed International Design Center at 10800 Corkscrew Road, Suite 280, in Estero, Fla. Students of the Institute of Interior Design are in direct contact with professional designers and the unparalleled resources that the International Design Center has to offer.

Reservations are required and all are encouraged to attend. To reserve your space, please call Nancy Ashley at 239-221-7249 or email nashley@swfc.edu today.
The Institute of Interior Design is an accredited private institution located within the Miromar Design Center in Estero, Fla. It offers an unparalleled learning environment by surrounding its students with experienced professional designers, exceptional working materials and the resources needed to realize a future in interior design. For more information, call toll free (888) 526-7973 or visit http://www.instituteofinteriordesign.com.

PATTI DENNIS ANNOUNCED AS ENROLLMENT SUPPORT REPRESENTATIVE AND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE GUEST SERVICE CENTER FOR SWFC

Fort Myers and Estero, Fla., (May 19, 2009) – Patti Dennis has been appointed both the Enrollment Support Representative for the Institute of Interior Design at Southwest Florida College and the Assistant Director of the Guest Service Center at Southwest Florida College.

Dennis said her goal in her two new positions is to continue to grow the guest service department in a positive direction and to “reach out to more students and help them transition from the dream of being in the interior design field and helping to make it a reality for them.”

“I would like to see both Southwest Florida College and the Institute of Interior Design continue to grow and change lives,” said Dennis.

Originally from Kansas City, Mo., Dennis began her employment with the college as an admissions representative in January of 2005. In 2006, she was asked to join the guest service department, working first with high school students and then adult students in her position as a guest service representative.

Dennis earned her A.S. degree fashion merchandising and marketing from Manor Fashion Academy in Sacramento, Calif. She also earned a degree in computer networking from Sanford Brown College of North Kansas City, Mo.

“What I like most about Southwest Florida College is that every person is treated with care and respect,” said Dennis. “As a member of this family, I have become an important part of the overall mission to change one life at a time. My position here has a purpose and that purpose is seen every day in our hallways and in the faces of our students.”

In her free time, Dennis enjoys spending time with her family. She loves the beach and likes to explore new things in this area. Recently, she has gotten into kayaking.

“Patti’s positive team player attitude combined with her consistent performance is recognized as a valuable asset not just to the guest service department, but also to the college,” said Allison Parrish, Director of the Guest Service Center for Southwest Florida College.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning centrally located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte, and includes the Institute of Interior Design located within the Miromar Design Center in Estero. The College has been providing post secondary education to Floridians since 1974 and offers programs in Allied Health, Business, Design, Education, Information Technology and Legal Studies. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge and skills that will help prepare them for rewarding careers in fields with high growth potential. For more information, call toll free 888-526-7973 or visit http://www.swfc.edu.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA COLLEGE PLANS 35TH COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

Fort Myers, Fla., (May 8, 2009) – A leading local educator will accept an honorary degree and another will deliver the commencement address to 376 students receiving degrees, diplomas, and certificates at Southwest Florida College’s 35th commencement exercise, planned for Saturday, June 20 at Harborside Event Center.

“Graduation marks an important milestone for our students and is the culmination of years of dedication, hard work, and sacrifice,” said Dr. Stephen Calabro, Executive Vice President of Southwest Florida College. “We look forward each year with great excitement as we watch our graduates begin a new chapter in their lives.”

The commencement speaker for the ceremony, Dr. Jane Kuckel, was elected to Lee County school board in November 2000. She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Miami University, her master’s degree in administration and supervision from Bowling Green State University and her doctorate from Michigan State University in Curriculum and Administration.

Dr. Kuckel has distinguished herself in the field of education for over 30 years and has made invaluable contributions to the children of Lee County by serving on the Lee County school board for the past 9 years. She is a nationally recognized expert in the field and held positions form classroom teacher to college professor.

“Dr. Kuckel has a demonstrated interest in elementary education and it is most fitting to have her as our commencement speaker this year as the College graduates its first class of bachelor’s degree student in early childhood education and elementary education,” said Dr. Calabro.

When Dr. Kuckel retired as assistant superintendent from Lee County Schools, she sought the board seat to continue her commitment to improve the quality of education in Lee County schools. She said her hard work and service has been focused on “preparing today’s students for the challenges of tomorrow.”

SWFC has awarded approximately 10 honorary degrees in past years. This year, the honorary degree recipient will be Kathy Mizereck, Executive Director for the Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges. Mizereck has held positions as a high school reading and English teacher. She has earned her bachelor’s degree in English and secondary education from the University of Florida and her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Wisconsin– Madison.

Some of Mizereck’s credentials include working with critically low performing schools as Executive Director for the Florida Commission on Education Reform and Accountability; partaking in the School Code Rewrite and Workforce Education Task Force as Director of Legislative Affairs for the Florida Department of Education; and managing the development of teacher certification subject area tests as Project Manager for the Center for Instructional Development and Services.

Since the College was founded in 1974, approximately 4,500 students have graduated with degrees, diplomas and certificates in career fields such as allied health, legal studies, education, business, design and information technology – all of which offer high growth potential. This year’s ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 20 at Harborside Event Center. There will be a reception to follow for the guest speaker and honorary degree recipient. For more information on the event and directions to Harborside Event Center, please call (239) 939-4766.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning centrally located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte, and includes the Institute of Interior Design located within the Miromar Design Center in Estero. The College has been providing post secondary education to Floridians since 1974 and offers programs in Allied Health, Business, Design, Education, Information Technology and Legal Studies. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge and skills that will help prepare them for rewarding careers in fields with high growth potential. For more information, visit http://www.swfc.edu.

SHANNON MACDONALD NAMED AS CAMPUS DIRECTOR

Port Charlotte, Fla., (April 28, 2009) – Shannon MacDonald has been appointed campus director for Southwest Florida College’s new Port Charlotte campus.

MacDonald said her goal in her new position is for SWFC to become a larger part of the community. “What we do is important to everyone,” she said. “We change lives and in today’s economy, it’s great to know that someone is out there willing to help others achieve their goals.”

Originally from Rochester, N.Y., MacDonald began her relationship with the college as a student in 1997, graduating the following year as valedictorian of her class. After earning her A.S. degree, she was hired as a full-time administrative assistant to the executive vice president of the college at the time, Richard Ashley.

Since then, MacDonald has worn many hats at Southwest Florida College, including working as a career services coordinator and career services director. In December of 2006, she became bursar, a position she excelled at for three years.

MacDonald has an associate’s degree from Southwest Florida College and graduated in 1998 as a valedictorian. She earned her bachelor’s degree Summa Cum Laude in executive management from International College. While earning both of her degrees, she also worked full time.

What does she like most about being at Southwest Florida College? Graduation! “Because it’s the pinnacle of a student’s hard work and achievement and I’m always profoundly moved at the ceremony when I reflect on the role that the college has been able to play in reaching a life-changing commitment,” MacDonald said. She went on to say that SWFC has diverse student population. Every employee plays pivotal role ensuring that students meet the goals they set for themselves from the very first admissions appointment.

“Many of our students thought college and a degree were unattainable goals until SWFC showed them otherwise. I am proud and honored to be part of their success.”

When asked what she did in her free time, MacDonald responded that she doesn’t provide herself with a lot of free time. “I am a workaholic and enjoy what I do,” she said. When she does have free time, MacDonald enjoys reading and sitting on the beach in the evening.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning centrally located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte, and includes the Institute of Interior Design located within the Miromar Design Center in Estero. The College has been providing post secondary education to Floridians since 1974 and offers programs in Allied Health, Business, Design, Education, Information Technology and Legal Studies. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge and skills that will help prepare them for rewarding careers in fields with high growth potential. For more information, call toll free 888-526-7973 or visit http://www.swfc.edu.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA COLLEGE NAMED TRAINING PROVIDER: Federal Stimulus Funds Reduce the Cost of Education for Qualified Applicants

April 28, 2009 – Finding a job often means learning new skills, and mastering those skills often means a trip back to school, where advanced education and professional development can be costly. Some of that expense can be defrayed with student loans – and now with additional help from federal economic-stimulus funds.

Last month, Governor Charlie Crist announced the release of “$165 million in federal economic stimulus founds to local workforce boards for additional job placement and job training for the people of Florida.” Governor Crist stated that the funds would help by providing workforce training for unemployed Floridians and would also help businesses by improving their worker’s skills.

“These federal stimulus funds will be dedicated to a wide variety of training and job placement services,” said Agency for Workforce Innovation Interim Director Cynthia Lorenzo. “One of our aims is to assist Floridians at One-Stop Career Centers around the state.”

Florida Workforce Development Board has approved Southwest Florida College, an accredited, non-profit career college with four area campus, as a training provider.

“Workforce Development has been given a substantial amount of money to be used for workforce training as part of a larger effort to tackle the unemployment situation,” said Dr. Stephen Calabro, Executive Vice President at Southwest Florida College. Depending upon applicant’s eligibility factors and their need, students can receive significant funds for tuition support. Funds are readily available to those who are eligible on a first come, first serve basis.

“The impact of taking advantage of all funding opportunities available to a student from the community is significant,” said Lauren Thompson, Assistant Director of Financial Aid Processing at SWFC. “It allows a student to reduce their overall student loan debt, while possibly opening the door to future opportunities and networks.”

Southwest Florida College has a number of short term programs for careers in high demand fields. The Workforce Development monies, combined with other resources, can substantially reduce the cost of education for qualified applicants.

“Our participation with Workforce Development provides a wonderful opportunity for students to acquire new job skills or improve upon existing skills while they are working towards a diploma or a degree,” said Dr. Calabro.

Individuals interested in receiving training through the College’s affiliation with the Florida Workforce Development Board should call 888-526-7973 to schedule a time to meet with an Admissions Representative at a Southwest Florida College campus. They may also visit their local Workforce Development office as soon as possible.

Southwest Florida College has four campuses located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte and Estero with the Institute of Interior Design located within the Miromar Design Center.
Southwest Florida College is an accredited private institution that has been providing post secondary education to Floridians since 1974. Its mission is providing the education that enables its graduates to pursue successful careers and lead enriched lives. For more information, call toll free 888-526-7973 or visit http://www.swfc.edu.

OPEN FOR TWO MONTHS AND ALREADY EXPANDING: SWFC offers even more opportunities by adding early childhood education into program offerings.

Port Charlotte, Fla. (April 20, 2009) –The fourth and newest Southwest Florida College campus, located in Port Charlotte, opened its doors in February. There are 61 students currently enrolled in programs within the Allied Health field including: Medical Assistant, Medical Billing & Coding Technology, Health Information Technology and Surgical Technician.

Just two months later, Southwest Florida College throws even more into the mix by offering a diploma program in Early Childhood Care & Management.

Upon completion of the program, graduates will earn a Florida Child Care Professional Credential, formerly known as a CDA or a Child Development Associate, through the Florida Department of Children and Families.

For every 20 children in a licensed child care facility, the state requires at least one worker with a Florida Child Care Professional Credential, or a credential equal or greater than the FCCPC. Southwest Florida College is now an approved provider through the Florida Department of Children and Families to offer the FCCPC upon completion of the Early Childhood Care & Management diploma program.

The Early Childhood Care & Management diploma program promotes collaborative learning and critical reflection as a way to develop a community of life-long learners who respect diverse perspectives, make informed decisions, and are responsive to the changing needs of children in our society.

Classes for the new Early Childhood Care & Management program will begin June 29 for enrollment into the summer term. As a career college, SWFC’s programs are directly related to employment and Southwest Florida College takes it one step further by offering lifetime career placement assistance to all qualified graduates. Faculty members bring both academic preparation and industry experience to the classroom, which also helps students make the transition from the classroom to the real world.

The Port Charlotte campus also serves as a regional student service center for the college’s many fully online degree and diploma programs. Financial aid is available for those who qualify. For more information, visit www.swfc.edu or call 1-888-526-7973 to speak with a representative.
Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning centrally located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte, and includes the Institute of Interior Design located within the Miromar Design Center in Estero. The College has been providing post secondary education to Floridians since 1974 and offers programs in Allied Health, Business, Design, Education, Information Technology and Legal Studies. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge and skills that will help prepare them for rewarding careers in fields with high growth potential. For more information, call toll free 888-526-7973 or visit http://www.swfc.edu.

PAMELA KING ACCEPTS PROGRAM MANAGER POSITION

Fort Myers, Fla., (April 14, 2009) – Pamela King has recently accepted a promotion at Southwest Florida College as the Program Manager for Arts & Sciences/General Education.

King’s new position will enable her to support the faculty in areas such as math, science and English disciplines, in addition to supporting the educational growth of her students.

“The exciting growth in all the academic programs has demanded the increase of what is offered for many students prerequisites and electives,” said King, whose goal it is to develop the General Education Department by increasing the number of talented faculty available to teach innovative courses that support the academic focus of each of the degrees offered at Southwest Florida College.

King has been employed at Southwest Florida College for a little over a year and has held positions in Financial Aid and as a teacher for Freshmen Studies at the College before undertaking her new position as Program Manger.

She has an associate’s degree in architectural engineering and a bachelor’s degree in management of technology, both from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, Mass., as well as a master’s degree in Higher Education from Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind.

In her free time, King enjoys spending time with her husband Kert, and her family members. She enjoys working on her new home and married life. When she can, King can be found windsurfing, boating and scrapbooking.

“I love the positive energy that so many faculty members are putting into action in their classrooms and the innovative initiatives that managers are doing in their departments at Southwest Florida College,” said King. “There is so much encouragement for advancement, training, and just simply trying new things.”

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning centrally located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte, and includes the Institute of Interior Design located within the Miromar Design Center in Estero. The College has been providing post secondary education to Floridians since 1974 and offers programs in Allied Health, Business, Design, Education, Information Technology and Legal Studies. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities for individuals to acquire knowledge and skills that will help prepare them for rewarding careers in fields with high growth potential. For more information, call toll free 888-526-7973 or visit http://swfc.edu.

AWARD WINNING INTERIOR DESIGNER TO TEACH AT THE INSTITUTE OF INTERIOR DESIGN

Estero, Fla. (March 9, 2009) – Richard Geary, president of an award winning interior and furniture design firm in Naples, Fla., will teach Furniture Design and Construction at the Institute of Interior Design, located within the International Design Center in Estero, Fla. The class will be held on Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. from April 7 through June 16.

Geary has won numerous awards for design excellence in a career spanning 37 years. Recently his firm was a winner in the coveted Sub-Zero and Wolf kitchen design competition. The Geary Design firm typically designs more than 75 percent of the furniture, hardware, rugs and lighting used in design projects.

After attending the school of Architecture and Design at Ohio University where he studied Interior Design, Architecture and Environmental Design, Geary continued his professional education at Harvard Graduate School of Design. He maintains an interior design license in the State of Florida and has practiced throughout the United States, Mexico and in Europe.

Geary has been a valuable adjunct and supporter of the Institute of Interior Design since its inception. He has taught History of Modern Furniture and Furniture Construction at the University of Florida and was a long-time member of its Interior Design Curriculum Advisory Board.

The Institute of Interior Design’s Furniture Design and Construction course will include the theory and practice of furniture design and practical methods of construction as well as the preparation of design documentation and specifications of materials and hardware. The course surveys materials and machinery and covers current production methods.

Upon completion of the course, students will: achieve an understanding of the methods of documentation in furniture design; execute furniture design from concept to working drawings; articulate appropriate material selection, hardware and finishes; exhibit knowledge based on function and end use; understand the functions of the machinery used in furniture construction; know about the processing of wood, metal, stone and glass and how to design with the parameters of the material; comprehend the principles and methods of working with subcontractors and craftsmen to implement their designs; and demonstrate the skills necessary to present and market a furniture design to a client.

The Institute of Interior Design is an accredited private institution located within the Miromar Design Center in Estero, Fla. It offers an unparalleled learning environment by surrounding its students with experienced professional designers, exceptional working materials and the resources needed to realize a future in interior design. For more information, call toll free (888) 526-7973 or visit http://www.instituteofinteriordesign.com/.

SWFC DELIVERS BOOKS TO YOUNGEST READERS

Dr. Melanie Roberts, Director of Education and Ms. Dora Kunz, Program Manager of Education, stand with a selection of books to be donated.

Fort Myers, FL (February 5, 2009) – Southwest Florida College’s faculty, staff and students are helping the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida make sure that children have access to high-quality books in their homes.

Students of the Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education programs at Southwest Florida College, along with faculty and staff, have agreed to begin corresponding with a child in order to improve the child’s literacy skills. For each letter written to the child, students and staff of SWFC will include a book that pertains to the child’s interests.

Since the children range from 3 to 4 years of age, classroom teachers from Early Learning Coalition facilities will gather and distribute letters and books to the parents.

“Children are like little sponges and this is a great tool for parents to read to their child at home,” said Dr. Melanie Roberts, Director of Education at Southwest Florida College.

Dr. Roberts explained how the initiative ties in closely to the curriculum of the Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education programs. The curriculum of these programs requires the student to select appropriate reading materials for various reading levels. Since the children within the Early Learning Coalition facilities are at a lower level of reading, students of SWFC are looking for books that are of high interest with colors, pictures and that use monosyllable sight words such as dog or cat.

In a letter to SWFC, the CEO of the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida, Dr. Kathleen H. Reynolds, wrote that “fostering interest in books can have great positive impact on developing skills in reading and writing.”

The Early Learning Coalition knows “children who come to school ready to achieve have had exposure to lots and lots of conversation and books long before arriving in kindergarten. Unfortunately, many youngsters suffer from limited vocabularies and limited knowledge of how books work, simply due to lack of exposure.”

So far, 28 students, faculty and staff from SWFC are participating in this program. Dr. Roberts is hoping to reach her goal of 50, which would mean supplying the Early Learning Coalition with 150 books in total. She doesn’t think her goal will be hard to reach.

“If we can get 150 books out, it’s a good start, but we would like to do more,” said Dr. Roberts. “It’s amazing how these children don’t have things we take for granted. We are glad to help them.”

Southwest Florida College is an accredited private institution centrally located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte and also includes the Institute of Interior Design located within the Miromar Design Center in Estero. Its mission is to provide an education to men and women thereby enabling them to pursue successful careers and lead enriched lives. For more information, call toll free (888) 526-7973 or visit http://www.swfc.edu/.